Your nutrition affects your overall health, and even your teeth! When your diet is poor, your teeth are one of the first areas to show decline. In honor of National Nutrition Month, we’ve compiled a list of foods below that promote healthier teeth and gums.
Apples, Carrots, and Celery
When you eat these three foods, you produce saliva in your mouth, which rinses away bacteria and food particles. The fibrous textures also stimulate the gums and “brushes” particles and bacteria away from your teeth.
Eating an apple isn’t the same as brushing your teeth with toothpaste that contains fluoride, but it can tide you over until you have a chance to brush. Pack either a whole apple or apple slices in your lunch to clean your mouth at the end of a meal.
Dairy
Milk, cheese, and yogurt are all good sources of calcium and protein, which is essential for maintaining healthy teeth. Eating cheese also raises the pH level in your mouth, which lowers the risk of tooth decay.
Make sure when selecting a yogurt or other dairy products to choose ones with no added sugar.
Raisins
Naturally sweet, raisins don’t contain added sugar. This makes them a good option for when you’re battling your sweet tooth! Raisins are also a source of phytochemicals, which may kill cavity-causing plaque bacteria. Some compounds in raisins also affect the growth of bacteria associated with gum disease.
Cranberries
Recent studies show that cranberries can be beneficial for your teeth because they help prevent plaque from sticking to your teeth. Cranberries could significantly reduce cavities, as long as there’s no added sugar.
Leafy Greens
Greens such as spinach, kale, and broccoli are rich in folic acid, calcium, and many important vitamins and minerals perfect for healthy teeth. They also usually involve lots of chewing, which produces extra saliva to rinse away plaque.
The most important thing is to eat a variety of good foods for healthy teeth and a healthy body. Try slowly working these foods into your diet for an overall better smile. Eating these foods, maintaining good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will keep you smiling for years.
If you’re in the San Clemente area, and would like to make an appointment with Shoreline Dental Studio, go here.
